Learn To Draw A Turkey, Kindergarten Turkey Craft

Tomorrow we have a playdate at the park from 10-12 AM. We are still concentrating on Thanksgiving. Be sure to check out the video on how to draw a turkey. The kid in the video makes it look easy. DJ will be giving it a try tomorrow. Caitlin will do the turkey craft. Just click on the images to print them. Color the feathers, and turkey, then cut and paste them on. Voila lovely free decor. Ever wondered about the history of Thanksgiving? The History Channel is having a special episode on November 22nd at 7/6 central. Be sure to Tivo it. Here is the full explanation, with links for curriculum.

The History of Thanksgiving
Sunday, November 22nd at 7/6c

Turkey dinners, footballs and parades--these are the modern-day trappings of the holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November each year. But Thanksgiving is more than just a day of food and festivity. This documentary traces the history of Thanksgiving, from early festivals and rituals of thanks, through the establishment of the Thanksgiving holiday, to the feasts Americans celebrate today. The History of Thanksgiving explores different tales of the Thanksgiving holiday, examining how and why the story of the Pilgrims sharing bounty with Native Americans became the symbol of Thanksgiving. Using primary sources, expert historians and authentic reenactments, this program untangles Thanksgiving myths and recounts the story of how it became recognized as a federal holiday. Students will gain new historical insights into this popular holiday, and will have an opportunity to discuss its meaning and significance in our society today.

Curriculum Links:
The History of Thanksgiving would be useful for classes on American History, American Culture and Native American History. It is appropriate for elementary school, middle school and high school. It fulfills the following standards as outlined by the National Council for History Education: 1) Civilization, cultural diffusion and innovation, and 2) Patterns of social and political interaction.

More from History.com:
Visit the Thanksgiving website

What was on the menu on the first Thanksgiving? Find out.

Videos:
History of Thanksgiving

Discover the origins of the Turducken

Free Transportation Themed Unit Study

This Mondays School Express free unit study is on Transportation. It is the same one from last week, except this week they added a Transportation activity book. Both of these are avaiable for free. The email they sent me says I can share the information. It is a rather large file, so if you are interested in it, just drop me a comment, or email, and I will send it to you via email. If you would like to sign up for the School Express newsletter go to http://www.schoolexpress.com click sign up for free newsletter, then all you have to do is verify via email, and you will get next weeks free themed unit. Tomorrow I will be putting up our school calendar for the 2008/2009 school year. If you need a calendar for your school year, this one will be great for you to print and use. Have a great week.

Annual Homeschool Evaluation Form

Here in Florida, you must submit a yearly evaluation form, to the public school in your county. The evaluation must be performed by a certified teacher, take the FCAT given by a certified teacher, or have evaluation done by a Psychologist. Our evaluation, is Friday. I am a little nervous, and it was not an easy job finding someone able to do the evaluation. This is a copy of the form, that needs to be filled out and submitted to the school. Keep a copy for yourself, just in case the school loses it. If you take the standardized exam, instead, the wording can be changed a little to reflect that. Please feel free to copy and use this as you need it.

Annual Homeschool Evaluation

Child's Name:_______ _________ _____ Birthdate:__ _________ ____

Parent's Name:_______ _________ _________ __

Mailing Address:____ _________ ________

____________ _________

Date of Evaluation: ____________ _________ __

As the parent of the above-named child, and according to Florida
Statute FS 1002.41, this is to inform you that my child has been
evaluated by a teacher holding a valid regular Florida certificate to
teach academic subjects at the elementary or secondary level. The
teacher we have chosen has conducted a review of the portfolio and
discussed this review with the pupil.

The teacher named below
__accepts
__does not accept
the portfolio as demonstrating that the child has shown educational
progress at a level commensurate with his or her ability during the
past year as stated in the statute.

Parent's signature:__ _________ _________ _________ __

Florida Certified Teacher's Name: ____________ ___
Professional Educator's Certificate DOE#: ____________
Florida Certificate' s Expiration Date: ____________ _

Teacher's signature:__ _________ _________ _________ _

Waiting for Fay Plus Math Teaching Ideas

Well we are still waiting for Fay, and it is starting to get nerve racking. It appears we will miss a direct hit, and it never got stronger than a Tropical Storm. It is maintaining its 60 mile an hr winds, however, despite being over land. We will most likely get heavy rain, and need to watch for tornadoes. We are currently under flood watches, but no tornado watches yet. South Florida, is just getting hammered by this storm, and I wish them all the best. I hope they are all safe, and heading the watches and warnings.

Now on to some Homeschool information. DJ will be learning Division this year, and I am just a little nervous about it. I am very good at math, but teaching it is a bit different. I found this great site, that has great ideas for teaching math. Multiplication, and Division are the main topics with teaching tips. It has games, tips, information, free worksheets to print, and teaching ideas. Go to http://www.teachingideas.co.uk/maths/contents07multiplicationdivision.htm to check it out. I will be using some of their teaching ideas, for sure.

Monday August 11th: Homeschool Freebie of the Day

Today on Homeschool Freebie of the Day, is a Ebook, called Grammar Land. It is a old book that tells a story of Grammar. It is free to all homeschool freebie of the day members. Not a member of Homeschool Freebie of The Day, then go here, and sign up for their free newsletter http://homeschoolfreebie.wholesomechildhood.com/ It is that simple, and bingo you are a member. Every Monday they will send you a newsletter with 5 days of different freebies. This week there is a bonus freebie, for members only called How To Teach Phonics: The First Four Years. It is again a completely free ebook. I have checked both of these out, and have kept them both. So go sign up for your free newsletter, and start getting these great freebies, every week in your email inbox.

Homeschool Freebie Of The Day

This is a great site, and each week they send you a homeschool freebie, for everyday of the week, except sat and sun. You can view their website here www.homeschoolfreebieOfTheDay.com and check out the freebies for this week. Sign up for their newsletter, and you will get extra special freebies each week, only for members. I have been a member, only a few weeks, and have found at least three of the freebies, each week, are something I will use.

Make Bookends With Your Childs Artwork Great Homeschool Craft

I found this in a magazine, I had kept for some reason. Well this craft, is why I kept it. I keep magazines I read, and then go back through them to see what I wanted. Usually it is a recipe, or craft idea. I really should start just ripping out, and keeping the one page in the magazine I wanted lol. Anyway these would make great gifts for Grandparents, your kids friends, or even just to keep for yourself. They are simple and affordable.

1- Have your child draw or paint pictures to fit in two 5 inch by 7 inch clear plastic box frames. I know Walmart sells these, so I am sure they are available at any craft store. Then have them decorate coordinating strips to fit along the side and top edges of the frame.

2- Pull up the easel, on the back of the frame. Insert small rocks into the back of the frame, about halfway full will do fine. Fill the remainder with crumpled tissue paper, then press the easel back into place.

3- Use non toxic glue or adhesive, to fasten light cardboard across the entire back, then you can cover the cardboard with felt to help it look nicer.

4- Use a glue stick to fasten the artwork to the boxes, and inserts them into the frames. Then you have made bookends.

This will definately be one of our art projects, this school year. Enjoy

Keeping an Intex Easy Set Pool Clean

I am sure, there are many of you, that have an easy set pool. They are very popular, for their affordability and durability. This is the 3rd year, with ours, and we love it. However, they are somewhat of a pain to keep clean. This is the first year, that we have been able to keep a handle on it, mostly because we moved it to where it was not under a tree. Of course that leads to the water becoming too hot, but at least it is clean. Here are some other tips:

1- Buy the 6 in 1 shock. It is a little pricier, but it is worth it. You wont have to by all the extra other stuff.

2- Shock your pool once a week.

3- Change your filters twice a week. It says once a week, but by then they are not working effectively. Twice a week is much better. You dont have to buy new filters all the time either, we rinse them off with the hose and let them dry in the sun. If they are real dirty, we soak them in bleach water.

4- Do buy the clarifier liquid. If your pool gets cloudy, in between shocking, put that in and your pool will be beautiful the next day.

5- Let your pump run at least 8 hrs per day.

6- Dont pour all those other chemicals in your pool, it just screws up the balance.

7- Last but not least, once a week wipe down the inside walls with a old towel. It will keep algae from forming, and the filter will suck it out.

Enjoy your swimming pool. It is a great investment, and if there is ever a long power outage you can use the water to flush your toilet, or wash clothes.

Teacher Created Resources

I received this catalog, in the mail yesterday, for Teacher Created Resources. I have no idea how I got on their mailing list, but I am sure glad I did. They have tons of great learning, and creative teaching options. Their prices are very reasonable, and quite low compared to others I have seen. If you want to check out their website, and possibly get a catalog for yourself, go to http://www.teachercreated.com Another very good website, I would like to tell you about is Busy Teachers Cafe. I found their site, while looking for writing tips, for young children. Their site is geared for k-6, and they offer a free monthly calendar, of writing ideas. They have other great things, as well, but the writing ideas is what I use the most. Check them out at http://www.busyteacherscafe.com

The Number 1 Homeschool Site on the Web

This site has so much information, you need to visit it several times to even get to see it all. I have found so many useful links, tips and information, from this one website. I am sure you will too. Go to http://www.homeschool.com and check out all the great information, all available for free.